Chapter 413 - 201: Vuelta a España Lineup Announced, Number One in the Championship Odds

The Decathlon Team even had an upgraded roster compared to their Tour de France lineup.

For the Vuelta a España, they not only fielded their Tour de France leader, Gall, but also Ben O’Connor.

It was the same for the Trek Team, which not only had Ciccone, who had a solid performance in the Tour de France general classification, but also Skjelmose.

As for the Ineos Grenadiers Team, their roster seemed even more formidable than the one they had for the Tour de France.

Their leader was still Carlos Rodríguez, supported by domestiques like Arensman, De Plus, and Narváez, as well as the time trial specialist, Tarling.

Beyond them, other World Tour Teams also fielded a number of top-tier climbers.

For example, the EF Education Team had Carapaz, the recent winner of the Tour de France’s Polka Dot Jersey.

The Movistar Team had Mas, Rubio, and the veteran Jintana.

The FDJ Team had David Gaudu and Stefan King.

The Quick Step Team had Landa.

The Arkéa Team had Cristian Rodríguez.

The Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux Team had Meintjes, among others.

In short, while the overall lineup for the Vuelta a España couldn’t compare to the Tour de France, it still wouldn’t be easy for Huang Chong to win the title.

However, once the Red Bull Bora Team’s lineup was announced, all the major European bookmakers made him the undisputed favorite to win the Vuelta a España.

After all, in a race where top contenders like Pogačar were absent, it would be hard to justify him not having the best odds. He had placed second overall in the Tour de France and had just won an Olympic gold medal, defeating numerous strong riders from across Europe.

Of course, while Huang Chong was the favorite, his odds were only slightly better than the second favorite, Almeida.

The UAE’s full roster was so stacked that the Red Bull Bora Team could hardly compare.

Huang Chong’s individual ability was undeniably strong, but a Grand Tour is, after all, a 21-day race.

Combined with the numerous climbs, there were doubts whether a first-year World Tour rookie like him could even last the entire high-intensity race.

This was a genuine concern that needed to be considered before the race began.

Huang Chong himself, however, felt fine.

He knew his own body well; it had long since surpassed that of a normal Asian.

’As someone optimized to the absolute limit by the System, he now possessed what could be considered the strongest physique of any Road Cyclist in the entire world.’

’Furthermore, he no longer had any physiological weaknesses.’

’Competing in two Grand Tours in a single year wasn’t a major issue for him.’

’Most importantly, he had obtained two special recovery Energy Gels before the Tour de France, and he had only used one.’

’Once he was sure he could secure second place in the Tour de France, he had specifically saved one for the Vuelta a España.’

’Even though the Vuelta a España was the least prestigious of the three Grand Tours, it was his best chance to win his first overall title, so of course he was taking it seriously.’

’Besides, while the points and prize money for the Vuelta a España weren’t as high as the Tour de France, he could still earn a considerable amount if he gave it his all.’

’Well, the prize money was secondary. After signing a €4 million annual salary, not to mention the stack of commercial endorsements from his Olympic victory that he hadn’t even gotten to yet, plus the bonuses, raise clauses, and even sales commissions for Lightning and Red Bull products in his contract... he wasn’t short on money at all.’

’The main thing was the UCI points. If he could win the overall title at the Vuelta a España, pick up a few more stage wins, and wear the general classification’s Red Jersey for several days—all of those things awarded points.’

’If he could rack up another two or three thousand points, he could make a run for the Giro d’Italia title next year, and his FTP Power would be nearly on par with Pogačar’s!’

’After all, he had no intention of finishing second in next year’s Tour de France!’

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